Camaro could still go on sale in Australia

After General Motors decided against building a right-hand-drive (RHD) versions of the all-new Chevrolet Camaro many fans were left feeling very disappointed.

Now it seems we could have something to look forward to as Queensland company Performax International prepares converted Camaros that could be on sale as early as December.

As Australia’s leading importer and converter of US-built cars and sports trucks, Performax expects to receive the Camaro in the next few weeks and will start work immediately to prepare it as a prototype for further imports of brand-new cars.

“We expect extremely strong demand for the Camaro in Australia. Since its launch in the United States recently it’s received nothing but great reviews for its performance, handling and design. It’s a fabulous car and we were lucky to get one so soon,” said Performax International General Manager Nicholas Vandenberg. “It will be competitively priced here and ready for registration with a seamless right-hand-drive conversion, full Australian Design Rule compliance and factory warranty.”

The first Camaro to arrive at Performax’s factory will be a top-of-the-range SS V8 version, fitted with Chevrolet’s LS3 6.2-litre alloy V8 engine producing 315kW and coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. Other models are expected to be available later.

Mr Vandenberg says he expects an efficient turn-around on conversion and compliance thanks to Performax’s experience with government requirements and its industry leading computer-aided design and engineering facilities.

“After 20 years’ experience and thousands of conversions, we are able to do this work faster than anyone else and to the highest engineering standards,” said Mr Vandenberg. “Also, we have recently introduced high-tech equipment that enables us to produce injection-moulded plastic components such as dashboards, air-conditioning ducting, consoles, switch panels and other interior components to factory-original standards of appearance and precision. The right-hand-drive Camaros that roll out of our Sunshine Coast factory will look, feel and perform exactly as they would in their home country.”

Should you wish to be kept informed of Performax International’s progress of the conversion progress with regular updates and photographs, click here.